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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks Keep your patio doors in a good condition to safeguard your home against unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks. If your patio door lock does not perform as it should, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch. Check the lock Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars because of their large amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is crucial that your locks work properly to ensure your home is safe. There are easy solutions to fix patio door locks which have stopped functioning. The first step is to check the lock to see if anything is preventing it from locking or latching. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or rust. In some instances the slightest adjustment to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the issue. Another common issue is debris or dust which can cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. If you need to, apply mild soap. But, be sure that the lock is dried completely afterward. It is also a good idea to to regularly oil your lock. A lot of the moving parts of your uPVC patio door lock are like the parts of a fine-tuned machine, which means that they can become stuck and jammed like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant can help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the lock cylinder and ensure that it is operating efficiently. Identifying the exact dimensions of your patio door lock is important. This can help you find an alternative lock that is compatible perfectly with the current mechanism. If you aren't sure how to do this, it's best to talk to a locksmith or professional tradesperson for assistance. Clean the Lock Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of the door lock to become jammed. These issues could compromise the security of your home. But it's easy to fix these problems if you know how. Clean your lock prior to attempting any repairs. Clean any stains and debris with a damp cloth. Use soapy water with hot water and a little grit to clean the lock mechanism. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again. Most patio doors are secured with mortise locking systems. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems over time. If you're uPVC locks has become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. For the uPVC lock, you can start by cleaning the latch plate using a small amount of hot soapy water. Next, you'll want to unfasten the screws that secure the latch body in place. After removing the latch handle and plate, you can remove it from its slot on the door frame. Once the latch has been removed and lubricated, you can apply using a light engineering lubricant like WD40. If you don't own WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to help remove any dirt or grit in the mechanism. If your uPVC locks are still not working, you may have to relocate the locks cylinders. This will require additional tools and should be performed by a professional. But you can practice repositioning the cylinder without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, after which drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws are that keep the cylinder in place. Lubricate the Lock Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the keyhole and the locks themselves. Using the right type of lubricant helps keep your lock in good condition, and extends its life. Dry graphite is a fantastic method to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It is easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors, and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders. Liquid lubricants are more effective than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are water resistant and won't attract as much dust and dirt as other kinds of liquid lubricants. They are suitable for high and low temperatures. However, certain silicone lubricants may create the formation of a buildup over time, and may displace other lubricants you've used. Teflon lubricants can be an excellent alternative to silicone lubricants since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also excellent for cold conditions, since they prevent the build-up of ice within the lock. If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and hard to turn, it's probably worn out and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith can take apart the lock mechanism and replace it with the new cylinder that matches the keys you have. They can also perform repairs and adjustments to existing lock mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if the door does not have one. This will increase security and safety. They can also put the faceplate of your new lock on your patio door to match the rest of your hardware. Reposition the Lock Cylinder If cleaning and lubricating it doesn't work, the problem could be that the latch on the door is not properly aligned with the frame or jamb. To determine this, open the sliding patio door and look both ways from the opening of the latch to determine whether the door is in line to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen screws fixing the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the lock latch is securely catching the latch hasp when the door is closed. The latch is also sometimes difficult to close because the cylinder has worn out. It is necessary to replace the cylinder if the worn cylinder is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder that has the same keyway and dimensions as the one you had previously. patio doors repair near me allows you to replace it easily by unscrewing the two halves and inserting the new cylinder. Many home improvement stores carry replacement cylinders. You'll need the brand and model number of the existing cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you don't know the model or manufacturer, take a picture of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then visit your local hardware store to seek assistance. Once you have the new cylinder in place take it off the screw that holds it in place. Remove the escutcheon. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon plates and lock from the door and door frame. Set the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose it or damage it. Then loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and loosen it enough to rotate the cylinder. Replace the Lock A patio door lock that's not functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed quickly enough, the lock can eventually break down and cease to provide security. Replacing the patio door lock is a simple DIY project that requires only a few tools and a little time. Start by examining the lock to determine what is causing the problem. If cleaning and lubricating the latch fails it could be bent too far to function properly. In this instance it's best to replace the latch with a new mortise lock to ensure that it's as sturdy and secure as possible. If you're not comfortable with this DIY project yourself, consult with a locksmith or door hardware specialist to help you with the installation of a new lock. They'll have all the equipment and know-how to install the lock properly. Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of regular maintenance. Make sure that the handle and knobs aren't loose, and if they are tighten them as required. Lubricate the lock at least once a year to prevent it from squeezing or becoming stiff. It is recommended that locks subject to heavy use or extreme weather should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is crucial, so make sure to select one that's specifically designed to be used on locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). To get the best results, apply the lubricant directly onto the key hole of the lock mechanism.